Summary

Found in the wreckage of Bill Coppinger's kitchen area, this carving fork was part of a set originally owned by Bill's mother, Norma.

The carving set may have been a golfing prize awarded to his father in a Huntingdale tournament in the 1960s. The set was given to the donor in 2003, when his mother was down-sizing her living arrangements following her husband's death and her own illness. The donor's house at Mount Disappointment and all its contents were lost in the Kilmore East Bushfire on 7 February 2009.

Used with HT 23733 Carving Knife.

This is part of the Victorian Bushfires Collection, which includes a number of interviews with Bill Coppinger and a large range of fire affected artefacts from his destroyed home.

Physical Description

One-piece fork, possibly of steel. The handle has 3 holes and rivets to retain the missing grip, which may have been of wood.

Significance

This is a story of good fire preparation but ultimate defeat before an overwhelming firestorm. On 7 February 2009, the donor watched closely as the Kilmore East Fire jumped the Hume Highway and moved across to the base of his property on Mount Disappointment. He was aware of the fire's movements, had vast amounts of water and was properly prepared to 'stay and defend', but his house, sheds and all of their contents were destroyed. He lost his dog and very nearly lost his life.

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